New member TRD problem starting

Hey,
New to the group and hope I can find some help here.
I have a 2001 TRD that I really like. Apparently it doesn’t like me anymore.
I was at Lowe’s a few months ago and came out to leave and when I tried to start it, it spun over for about 10 seconds before starting. Never done that before. Always started right up. From then on it was the same every time I started it. I put it in a local shop that usually does my work and they kept it over a month and couldn’t find the problem. I brought it back home and a couple weeks later it would not start at all.
I had it hauled to a different shop and they had it 3 weeks and called me today to pick it up. They can’t find the problem but did find out how to start it.
They told me to turn the key on for about 30 seconds then the check engine light would come on and then it would start.
Ive never heard of anything like this.
Anyone have any idea?????????

 

I would start by checking the grounded connections. I'm assuming you have gone through battery, ignition, scanned for codes, etc.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

I installed a new battery and trust that the shops scanned the codes. It’s had a check engine light for s while because of a sensor on the converter but it has not caused s problem that I know of.

 

I always start these sorts of things by connecting a jumper cable to the negative post of the battery and the other end to the engine block. Grounds can be tricky and the large loads from a starter can do weird things.

I've seen it a number of times when you have voltage and continuity in all the right places but once you try and start and pull all the current it goes open and nothing happens.

 

Find a schematic for the grounds on your vehicle. How's the overall rust?

You can also unhook the battery for a while to reset the codes and try to start it then. Sounds like it has something to do with the check engine light

 

There is no rust on the truck at all. It only has 139,000 miles.
I did that when I changed the battery and it made no difference.

 

I will definitely do the jumper cable thing. I know what a problem ground can be.

 

Goodluck! Let us know what you find out

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Small update to the problem. As long as the check engine light is on, the truck will start.